LACEY PUTNEY, LONGEST SERVING DELEGATE, PASSES AWAY AT 89

Released: Wednesday, September 06, 2017

Lacey Putney served as a delegate for fifty-two years. He did so with honor and distinction. He was nearing retirement when I came to the Capitol for VAIB in 2010. What struck me was his adherence to conservative principles. He was first elected as a Democrat. When the Democratic party moved from these principles, Del. Putney ran as an Independent. We, as Independent Baptists, have some understanding of that concept. As an Independent, Putney stood with the Republicans and was honored by them to serve as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, considered to be the most desired committee position. The Democratic party left Putney and other conservatives. I am thankful that Del. Putney stayed true and served this Commonwealth faithfully.

As Executive Director of VAIB and on behalf of the Steering Committee, I offer my condolences and prayers to the family members in the passing of Lacey Putney on Saturday, August 26.